scholarly journals Integration of Cost and Work Breakdown Structures in the Management of Construction Projects

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 1386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Cerezo-Narváez ◽  
Andrés Pastor-Fernández ◽  
Manuel Otero-Mateo ◽  
Pablo Ballesteros-Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Response Analysis ◽  
Scope Management ◽  
Project Objectives

Scope management allows project managers to react when a project underperforms regarding schedule, budget, and/or quality at the execution stage. Scope management can also minimize project changes and budget omissions, as well as improve the accuracy of project cost estimates and risk responses. For scope management to be effective, though, it needs to rely on a robust work breakdown structure (WBS). A robust WBS hierarchically and faithfully reflects all project tasks and work packages so that projects are easier to manage. If done properly, the WBS also allows meeting the project objectives while delivering the project on time, on budget, and with the required quality. This paper analyzes whether the integration of a cost breakdown structure (CBS) can lead to the generation of more robust WBSs in construction projects. Over the last years, some international organizations have standardized and harmonized different cost classification systems (e.g., ISO 12006-2, ISO 81346-12, OmniClass, CoClass, UniClass). These cost databases have also been introduced into building information modeling (BIM) frameworks. We hypothesize that in BIM environments, if these CBSs are used to generate the project WBS, several advantages are gained such as sharper project definition. This enhanced project definition reduces project contradictions at both planning and execution stages, anticipates potential schedule and budget deviations, improves resource allocation, and overall it allows a better response to potential project risks. The hypothesis that the use of CBSs can generate more robust WBSs is tested by the response analysis of a questionnaire survey distributed among construction practitioners and project managers. By means of structural equation modeling (SEM), the correlation (agreement) and perception differences between two 250-respondent subsamples (technical project staff vs. project management staff) are also discussed. Results of this research support the use of CBSs by construction professionals as a basis to generate WBSs for enhanced project management (PM).

A MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT FOR THE TECHNOLOGY EXTENT AND PROCESS EFFICIENCY IN BIM ENABLED CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gozde Basak Ozturk
Keyword(s):  
Technology Use ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Measurement Instrument ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Process Efficiency ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Building Information

Technology use in all fields can play an important role as the booster in creating lean and efficient processes. Technology use may result in reduced duplications and delays in workflows while helping to speed up task realization. Building Information Modeling (BIM) enhances knowledge share, use and reuse for better collaboration, communication, coordination, and monitoring as a knowledge base platform. BIM enhanced construction projects may positively affect the process efficiency. The aim of this paper is to define a measurement instrument of BIM usage as technology enhancer tool and of process efficiency of construction projects. Research leans on the prominent literature to concrete the measurement instrument. A survey is established to construction project professionals to understand the technology efficiency and process efficiency in BIM enabled construction projects. The research based on the related data collected from 92 professionals experienced both in traditional project delivery methods and BIM enabled construction projects. The respondents are the construction industry experts comprised of construction project managers, BIM managers, and BIM implementation experts (architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers etc.). Data is analyzed and tested with structural equation modeling software to verify the proposed measurement instrument. The technology efficiency and process efficiency factors for BIM enabled construction projects are tested and refined. Research findings present the measurement instrument for both technology and process efficiency in BIM enabled construction projects.

scholarly journals An Empirical Study on the Acceptance of 4D BIM in EPC Projects in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pan Gong ◽  
Ningshuang Zeng ◽  
Kunhui Ye ◽  
Markus König
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Behavior Pattern ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Building Information

The engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) method has the potential to help construction projects achieve sustainable performance, e.g., the contractor’s early involvement, cost savings, and a reduced schedule. However, high uncertainties and complexities are contained in EPC projects. 4D BIM (Building Information Modeling) with abilities to simplify the time and space relationships of construction activities and support multi-party information sharing is beneficial to EPC project management. The behavior pattern of the project personnel toward accepting 4D BIM information systems or tools needs to be explored. Therefore, a research model of the acceptance of 4D BIM in EPC projects with eight latent constructs is proposed through a literature review of technology acceptance theories. Data is collected from a questionnaire survey and interviews. Research hypotheses are examined using PLS-SEM (partial least squares-structural equation modeling). Empirical evidence is collected from China, and implications to the developing countries facing the challenge of developing a technology-intensive construction industry are provided: (1) Adopting 4D BIM in the EPC project is beneficial; (2) the task-technology fit plays a leading role in technology acceptance; (3) the management incentive is inefficient at the operational stage. Suggestions for future research on 4D BIM acceptance in complex construction projects with abundant data and alternative models are provided.

scholarly journals Competences of the Executive Secretariat in project management

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria do Carmo Assis Todorov ◽  
Claudia Terezinha Kniess ◽  
Evandro Luiz Lopes ◽  
Cibele Barsalini Martins
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Efficient Management ◽  
Management Association ◽  
Communication Difficulties ◽  
Executive Secretary ◽  
Curriculum Guidelines

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the perception of the project manager regarding the Executive Secretary’s contribution in project management. The pursuit of competitive advantage has led organizations to be concerned with project management and the communication difficulties and a lack of leadership during the process are cited among the reasons that compromise project success. In order to relate the powers of the Executive Secretary with the competences of the project team, was used the Brazilian Curriculum Guidelines of the Executive Secretariat Course and the skill set proposed by the International Project Management Association, for the construction of a theoretical model, which was analyzed by structural equation modeling. The results showed that the Executive Secretary is a contributive member of the project management team who enables efficient management of projects. With this result, we found that project managers may seek Executive Secretariat support to achieve project success.

Towards excellence in managing the public-sector project cycle: a TQM context

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos F. Gomes ◽  
Michael H. Small ◽  
Mahmoud M. Yasin
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Planning Stage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Implementation Stages

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the management of public-sector projects in Portugal paying particular attention to the extent to which total quality management (TQM) principles are being utilized in such projects. Design/methodology/approach Based on an extensive review of the literature, nine propositions are advanced about the interrelationships among seven factors that were identified, in a previous study, as having some influence on the management process in the planning and implementation of public-sector projects in Portugal. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate these propositions using data obtained from 211 respondents to a survey of project managers from municipalities across Portugal. Findings The results of the structural equation model indicate that the TQM components working in tandem with project-management-specific variables provide a systematic means of managing the planning and implementation stages of projects, with technical items being critical in the planning stage and softer management items becoming important in the implementation stage. Research limitations/implications Readers should be careful not to generalize the findings in a global context or for private sector projects. However, researchers are encouraged to extend this study by including other planning and implementation variables with a view to discerning what particular characteristics of a project make it more amenable to TQM solutions. Practical implications The findings are presented to show how the key components of TQM, customer focus, employee involvement and continuous involvement, can be applied during the planning and implementation stages of projects. Originality/value The sample size of 211 is representative of the underlying population of project managers in municipalities across Portugal and is comparatively large in relation to other empirical project management studies from Portugal, lending credence to the generalizability of these finding to public-sector projects in Portugal.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN CHINA AND USA ON THE INFLUENCING PATH OF TRANSACTION COSTS IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huimin Li ◽  
Chengyi Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Transaction Costs ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
The Core ◽  
Management Efficiency ◽  
Core Construct

The actual cost of a construction project is composed of not only production costs, but also transaction costs. The presented model includes the uncertainty of the owner’s behavior, the uncertainty of the contractor’s behavior, the uncertainty in the transaction environment and mechanism, and project management efficiency, to illustrate the influence path of the transaction costs borne by the owner. The model is tested by the structural equation modeling (SEM) using the data collected from construction project owners. The finding indicate that uncertainty in the transaction environment and mechanism appears to be the core construct of the model due to its strong linkages with transaction costs and the owner’s behavior, the contractor’s behavior, and project management efficiency. The uncertainty of the contractor’s behavior is also found to affect project management efficiency positively. A certainty behavior on the part of the owner reduces the uncertainty in the transaction environment and mechanism, increases the efficiency of project management, and reduces the transaction costs of construction project.

scholarly journals Project Management Performance and Its Influence on Malaysian Building Projects

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.Q. Adeleke ◽  
J.A. Bamgbade ◽  
Maruf Gbadebo Salimon ◽  
Chia Kuang Lee
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Primary Concern ◽  
Management Performance ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
And Performance

Working environment and safety behavior are the primary concern in construction projects which in the long run are part of the yardstick in measuring project management performance. Construction safety and performance should be thoroughly investigated empirically by illustrating the current state of accident and performance in construction industries. Entrenched in the Malaysian construction industry experience, three dimensions of the project management performance (resolve cost, schedule, and quality) can buffer the contractor’s and project manager’s performance in building projects. Following organizational control theory, this research investigated the effects project management performance (resolve cost, schedule, and quality) on construction projects among G-7 contractors operating in Kuantan Malaysia construction industries through a personally administered questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) opined that schedule and quality have positive and significant influence, while resolve cost has a significant negative influence on Malaysia construction projects.

Developing a perceptual distance monitor for client-contractor collaborations

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
H.J. Christian van der Krift ◽  
Arjan J. van Weele ◽  
Josette M.P. Gevers
Keyword(s):  
Survey Data ◽  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceptual Distance ◽  
Project Outcomes ◽  
Project Objectives ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to propose a tool for conceptualizing and operationalizing perceptual distance in client-contractor collaborations: the perceptual distance monitor (PDM). This paper explains how this monitor was developed and used to examine the impact of perceptual distance on project outcomes. Design/methodology/approach This paper developed the PDM by gathering quantitative survey data from client and contractor representatives. Structural equation modeling tested the predictive validity of perceptual distance on project outcomes. Findings The PDM enables a valid and reliable assessment of the perceptual distance between client and contractor in projects. Moreover, the PDM shows that project outcomes suffer if parties have different perceptions of project objectives, project managers’ competences and the level of trust in the collaboration. These findings confirm the predictive validity of the PDM. Research limitations/implications The study builds on survey data representing dyadic perceptions from 38 measurements in collaborative projects. This paper may not have identified all the effects of perceptual distance on project outcomes, as the analyses were conducted at the project level. This research underlines the importance of gathering dyadic data for studies in interorganizational settings. Practical implications Perceptual distance can be expected between clients and contractors, and higher perceptual distance is generally associated with lower project outcomes. Using the PDM, project managers can concretize, discuss and monitor this perceptual distance over time. The PDM provides project managers with a useful tool to prevent the escalation of conflicts and project failure. Originality/value Based on agency theory and social identity theory, this study provides a unique and validated conceptualization and operationalization of perceptual distance between client and contractor in interorganizational collaborations and supply chains.

BIM Technologies In Building Construction Projects Management In Russia

2019 ◽  
pp. 48-59
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Management System ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Integrated Management ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Project Management System

The international experience of integrating building information modeling (BIM) into project management system with innovation implementation accent has been revealed in this article. The events carried out on federal and regional levels concerning the President of Russia directive on building construction industry modernization and construction objects transferring to life cycle management by means of BIM were analyzed. The large company experience of implementing BIM was summarized with describing some examples in different cities and regions of our country and thus the main directions of this technology development were determined. The key points of BIM and project management system pairing and impacting an innovation choice witch determine the project economic efficiency in the integrated management system were shown. The main reports of "Building construction projects technology and management: new practices and prospects" conference by Moscow Trade and Commerce Chamber were reviewed in this direction and problems of the new investment and construction project management technology implementation were shown. The ways to solve these problems were disclosed by work examples of PAO "Sberbank", and successfully working in our country firms Bilfinger Tebodin - BIM design and Beiten Burkhard -jurisdiction support. Some economic efficiency questions of BIM implementation were disclosed in the report delivered by The Plekhanov University of Economics (project and program management base department of Capital Group). Management system suggestions, regarding BIM implementation in Moscow construction were given.

scholarly journals Sustainability in Construction Projects: A Systematic Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Kiani Mavi ◽  
Denise Gengatharen ◽  
Neda Kiani Mavi ◽  
Richard Hughes ◽  
Alistair Campbell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Fuzzy Decision Making ◽  
Eigenvector Centrality ◽  
Mathematical Techniques ◽  
New Research

This paper aims to identify the major research concepts studied in the literature of sustainability in construction projects. Two bibliometric analysis tools—(a) BibExcel and (b) Gephi, were used to analyze the bibliometrics indices of papers and visualize their interrelations as a network, respectively. Therefore, a research focus parallelship network (RFPN) analysis and keyword co-occurrence network (KCON) analysis were performed to uncover the primary research themes. The RFPN analysis clustered the studies into three major categories of evaluating sustainability, project management for sustainability, and drivers of sustainable construction. The KCON analysis revealed that while each paper had a different focus, the underlying concept of all clusters was sustainability, construction, and project management. We found that while ‘sustainability’ was the leading keyword in the first cluster, i.e., evaluating sustainability, it was the second top keyword with the eigenvector centrality of over 0.94 in the other two clusters. We also found that the concept of sustainability should be included in construction projects from the early stages of design and feasibility studies and must be monitored throughout the project life. This review showed that previous researchers used a variety of statistical and mathematical techniques such as structural equation modelling and fuzzy decision-making methods to study sustainability in construction projects. Using an integrated approach to identifying the research gaps in this area, this paper provides researchers with insights on how to frame new research to study sustainability in construction projects.

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